别看

• Pinyin: bié kàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 别 = don't; 看 = 手 (hand) + 目 (eye), meaning to look or see

Meaning

Don't be fooled by; despite appearances; although it may seem. A conjunction introducing a contrast between appearance and reality.

Used to set up a contrast where the following clause reveals something surprising or contrary to the initial impression. Very colloquial and common in spoken Chinese. Often followed by 其实 or 可 to introduce the contrasting fact.

Examples

1. 别看他年纪轻，在这个领域已经是公认的专家了。 Don't be fooled by his young age — he's already a recognized expert in this field.
2. 别看这家店门面小，里面的东西可不便宜。 Don't let the small storefront fool you — the stuff inside is not cheap.
3. 别看她平时说话轻声细语的，关键时刻特别有主见。 Despite her soft-spoken manner usually, she's remarkably decisive at critical moments.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 别看这道菜做法简单，味道可是一绝。(Don't be fooled by this dish's simple preparation — its flavor is exceptional.)
• 别看我现在这样，当年我也是校队主力。(Don't judge me by how I look now — back then I was a varsity starter.)

Don't Say

• 别看这篇学术论文的字数不多。(Avoid using 别看 in very formal academic writing — it's too colloquial)

Origin & History

别 (don't) + 看 (look at). Literally 'don't look at' — evolved to mean 'don't judge by appearances.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal